Utah law: Person defending home cannot be sued

Tuesday , March 18, 2014 - 11:45 AM

Contributed

SALT LAKE CITY-- A person who shoots or otherwise injures an intruder cannot be sued under a bill that has passed the Utah Legislature.

Republican Rep. Patrick Painter of Nephi says House Bill 129 protects homeowners who defend themselves, their family or their property from being held civilly liable even if the intruder was not committing a felony or is subsequently found innocent.

Painter says a person should be allowed to defend their home without having to determine what type of crime an intruder is committing.

The bill is awaiting the signature of Gov. Gary Herbert after the House unanimously agreed to amendments made by the Senate.